Salsa With Juan in Oakland, CA

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Telephone:	+1 510-860-1957
Website:	www.salsawithjuan.com
Address:	130 Linden St, Oakland, CA, 94607 at 3rd St West Oakland
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	0.5 miMegabus 0.6 miWest Oakland 0.9 mi13th Street
Categories:	Dance Schools Dance Studios

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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Bike Parking	Yes
Wheelchair Accessible	Yes

Good for Kids	No
By Appointment Only	Yes

Today

Today	–
Local time (Oakland)	04:15 Sunday, 22 June 2025

Business hours

Monday	–
Tuesday	6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Wednesday	6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Thursday	6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Friday	6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Saturday	–
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

We At Salsa with Juan specialize in people who have never danced before. We make our classes, fun, easy, and encouraging. Remember learning to dance takes time, we’ll be here for you.

History

Established in 2014.

Salsa with Juan is a business that has been in the downtown Oakland area for awhile. Previously at the Merritt Dance center, it is now located at Trilliant Studios near Jack London Square. Salsa with Juan specializes in teaching Salsa focusing on those who have never danced before! The instruction is in a family-like atmosphere, understanding the beginner/non-dancer abilities and mindset, supportive, and fun! Yes, there are bad jokes and some good ones, too, but, all in all it’s a comfortable place to learn to dance! We never forget what it’s like to learn something new and how long it takes to become proficient at it as we once traveled the same path. Where you go from there is up to you and we will always be here to encourage you!

Meet the Business Owner

Juan G.

Business Owner

Juan Gil, Master Instructor, originally from Guatemala, has been teaching and dancing Salsa and other Latin dances for 17 years. He studied under some of the best instructors in Los Angeles like Laura Canelias and Skippy Blair. Juan has performed in professional groups such as SalsaConfunkshun and now with various partners and students the Bay Area. «El Maestro» as his students fondly call him, has performed and taught in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribean, Europe and South America. Juan’s teaching philosophy focuses on having fun and enjoying that 5 minute partnership. You won’t find a more amusing Salsa instructor — Juan’s silly jokes make students relax and laugh every time. His classes were voted Best of the Bay 2010 –2011 and a wide range of levels as well as workshops in different Latin dances are consistently offered in Oakland, CA. When you come in the door of Salsa with Juan you feel like family, and Juan Gil will say «Welcome home!»

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«Snappy’s has awesome coffee and it’s a great place to hear unique music and see local artwork too. Be Happy and Snappy. Tell April SWJ sent ya!»

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Shopping

Juan G. says,

«We bought Liz’s shoes for our performance and were very comfortable in them. Great selection of clothing and accessories too. Tell her SWJ sent ya!»

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20 reviews of Salsa With Juan

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Michelle W.

Place rating: 2
Santa Clara, CA

Class was slow, boring, and over priced. Spent 15 minutes marching in place without learning anything particularly constructive.
We spent the whole hour going over the same basic step. This step could have successfully been covered in 5 – 10 minutes. We had a solo class, but taking a group class with someone that moved faster would have been more productive. Definitely won’t come back.

Gary B.

Place rating: 5
El Sobrante, CA

Juan was great, we had a good size class and he walked us all through the basics with enough repetition so that even I was getting it at the end. Thursday evening is the best beginner class here, it starts out with the very basic first steps. Good for someone who has not Salsa-ed before. But I must say there were a few people who had danced before and I think they were coming in for a refresher. I am going to sign up for a series of classes. Well worth the time and cost.

Betty S.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

I love classes at Salsa with Juan. Juan is a great professional teacher and has a true gift of teaching anyone how to dance salsa. He breaks down the dance moves so that everyone can catch on and understand. I appreciate that his class is very inviting and friendly to beginner students like myself who aren’t used to dancing. I am comfortable learning there because everyone is welcoming. Also, I can tell he is dedicated, and very passionate at what he does. Any of his students will tell you they love him and his classes! I have been taking classes for some time now and in the beginning I knew nothing butI have come a long way in my salsa dancing thanks to Juan!
Did i mention that the classes are sooo fun and all positive students and environment. Great people to meet and socialize. Everyone leaves having a great time and in a better mood! And the dance studio is beautiful! Convenient location and parking. In my opinion, he is the best teacher in the bay area.

Aleister C.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Juans a great teacher, having lots of fun learning. Good crowd lots of people to practice with.

Patrick D.

Place rating: 5
Albany, CA

Great class that I highly recommend. I’ve been to classes all over the Bay, but Juan’s pacing and repetition is just right. He makes it fun and pays attention to your individual needs

Zonia N.

Place rating: 5
San Leandro, CA

It has been 1 ½ year since I started taking classes with Juan which said in simple words, it has been the best choice I have made when it came to learn how to dance Salsa. I am still attend this class because Juan is a very dedicated to his students’ instructor and he never stops teaching new things in his classes. Classes are getting bigger and outings with Juan and his crew are just fun. Going clubs, going shoe shopping to LA, going cruises to the Caribbean and visiting cities inthe States is one of the things I love Juan does with his students. At Salsa with Juan you are not only treated as a student but you are part of the family and that is how I feel them, they are my family.
Besides classes and all the fun with Juan, the location of the class is very convinient, Trilliant Studio is a cozy welcoming place, I love the women’s bathroom, a little space in which you can sit on a comfy chair while putting your dancing shoes on, little cups with mouth wash, nice soap and hands lotion… And Jan who owns the studio is super friendly and profesional wich all together makes Salsa with Juan the best place to learn how to dance like a star!!! ;)
I give Juan Gil 5 stars!!!

Jenna A.

Place rating: 5
Rodeo, CA

Tonight was my first time participating in «Dancing with Juan» at Trilliant Studios. Mrs. Fong was so welcoming and Juan an amazing instructor! I had to much fun. I recommend anyone learning salsa for the first time to come here! They break the dance up into steps and understand we are beginners and may not get the steps right away. I bought 4 more classes =)

Jennifer D.

Place rating: 5
Dublin, CA

This is a great place to learn to dance and meet other friendly people who just want to have fun dancing. Juan is a great teacher, very friendly and patient. I started with absolutely no dancing skills and have been happy with the progress I’ve made in a short time. The classes are set up with a nice progression of skill level. The studio is in an easy to reach location in west Oakland. There is always a different mix of people in the group classes. Sometimes more guys than girls, sometimes more girls than guys, but you just have to take life as it comes, right? I always enjoy my time there.

Drea m.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

Juan is such a great instructor! He is very gentle with dancers who are having trouble with steps, there is NO ONE with ‘left feet’ in Juan’s classes! He also has tremendous, deep knowledge about dance and body movement which is at a competition level — so he’s a wonderful instructor for the advanced students. He fosters a wonderful community feel while teaching new students. You really feel a part of a new exciting community. I can’t say enough good things about Juan’s joyful fun approach to dance. I highly recommend his classes if you want to learn how to dance and have great time doing it!

Robbi S.

Place rating: 5
Pleasanton, CA

Juan is a wonderful teacher! (patient, full of humor). The studio is VERY conveniently located near West Oakland BART so classes after work are easy to attend and the beginner classes are great — especially for the «timid person» such as myself.

Hair Biz T.

Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA

I just want to say that this is the best place I’ve ever gone for salsa lessons one is an incredible teacher with a great personality we always have so much fun I’ve learned so much and I’ve made so many great friends you have to come see for yourself

Soy Yo D.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

Juan Gil is Salsa With Juan. He does what not many instructors do, in my opinion. He builds a sense of community with salsa dancers. After a while you feel like you belong to his salsa family. Salsa with Juan’s salsa socials, which are once-a-month at Trilliant Studios in Oakland, are friendly and populated with nice people who genuinely like Juan, not only as a teachers, but as a friend. You feel welcomed. There’s always munchies and on some occasions, you will be treated to Juan’s famous homemade pesto, or salsa.
Don’t want to go to a salsa club by yourself, especially if you are new to salsa? No fear. Go with SWJ. Juan, and Jan, Trilliant Studio’s co-owner, will ease you into the salsa scene with their salsa «field trips.» They organize outings to salsa clubs around the Bay Area. You go as a group, your salsa «family.» You will have a great time!
Salsa With Juan. Highly recommended.

Suzanne L.

Place rating: 3
Oakland, CA

Venue (well just a dance studio) was tiny. Plenty of parking, all because it is located in the middle of nowhere. There were more guys than girls.
The one amazing thing about salsa with Juan is the bathroom. It is the most amazing bathroom I have seen, equipped with mouthwash, cups, little cubbies for your shoes, towels, a large mirror… amazing. feels like the bathroom can suddenly turn into a SPA ^_^… that’s pretty much the reason why I am giving it 3 stars. Also, there were more guys than girls. So if you are a guy… well you won’t meet that many girls… if you do, they are taken.
The lessons are slow, super slow… I was there because my fiancé is a beginning salsa dancer. I have been to lots of salsa lessons, this by far is slow n very unproductive. I mean we attended the last lesson of the month and the steps that they taught were steps that you could learn in ONE night! YEP in one night… For the whole month apparently they only taught, the basic step, the side to side, the cumbia step, cross body and a turn. Seriously… how slow can u be??? I guess maybe he is trying to drag out the lessons or something.
Maybe it is because I am just a quick learner… but still for 15 dollars a lesson, it is pretty hefty. This is not a club, it is just a group lesson. so after an hour of lesson, you just leave there is no time to practice or anything. I guess if you are really really uncoordinated i guess this place would be a good place to learn. ^^
I would suggest that if you want to learn, is better if you go to a club, u get the lesson, the ambiance, lots of practice and a fun nightie dancing with tons of people! Another thing there were more guys than girls. So if you are a guy… well you won’t meet that many girls… all the girls came with a guy.

Ivan E.

Place rating: 5
Castro Valley, CA

Great spot to learn how to dance Bachata… I like it so much!!! Way to go Juan

Wayne C.

Place rating: 5
Menlo Park, CA

I remember about 3 yrs ago I was an advance beginner Salsa student. we were all at a salsa social, I asked Ruth to dance I was very nervous… then the song started, it was way too fast for me, I told Ruth I don’t know how to dance to fast music, You know what her response was? you don’t have to impress anyone… just have fun. Wow a big weight was lifted off my shoulders. They are definitely friendly, humble & approachable instructors. I have taken Salsa classes all over the bay area north, south, east & west. I have to say Juan & Ruth are one of my favorite instructors offering a good balance of classes & social dancing to practice what you have learned. Awesome!!!

Arleigh T.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

Going with my wife and love it. Easy and relaxing and super fun. Only slight drawback is not enough followers (woman) in the class but they make it work.

Donna M.

Place rating: 5
Alameda, CA

I’ve been dancing salsa off and on for many years and have had many salsa instructors and I can say with all honesty that Salsa With Juan is the best! Here’s why:
1) both Juan and Ruth provide a lot of positive reinforcement (I’ve been in classes where sadly salsa instructors belittled students, ugh) ;
2) they are great teachers, focusing on dance fundamentals vs patterns you’ll never do and these moves translate into being able to dance in clubs;
3) SWJ offers specialty classes that are super helpful and hard to find, I’ve taken how to lead and follow twice and truly had a dance breakthrough first time out, also lady’s styling with Ruth has me finally circling my hand over my head and out while turning and Juan’s salsa musicality class was invaluable;
4) Supportive atmosphere — SWJ socials are a great place to practice your class moves and Juan and Ruth also have class outings to clubs to help you get comfortable with the scene;
5) SWJ family: Juan can hang with the best of them in the clubs however he has an all inclusive approach to salsa dancing and wants everyone to be part of the familia. As a result he attracts really nice people to his classes and everyone makes friends with each other… I have made lots of really nice friends from SWJ some of whom I go dancing with and others I hang with outside of SWJ.
6) I have now taken 2 private lessons with Juan and they were a great investment, helped me really improve my following skills, can’t wait til the next one
7) Salsa Cruise: in January I am going on the Salsa Cruise out of San Juan with a half-dozen friends from the SWJ family, can’t wait, my cabin-mate went last year and she loved it.
8) All access pass: I always get the all class pass for a little over $ 100 depending on your level I can go to as many classes as I want in a month and I get to go the social free, if I went to all the classes I think that’s 8 a week, I usually go to 4/week for 4 weeks and even if I miss a couple it’s still a bargain.
Well I could go on but I’ll stop there, if you’ve been thinking about salsa dancing but are feeling a little tentative, come try out SWJ, one class and you’ll be hooked, I guarantee, and feel free to say hi, I love connecting with other Unilocalers.

Rue M.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

I have never been one to pick up dance steps quickly, and always felt salsa club lessons were too fast paced and short to adequately prepare me for a night on the dance floor without stepping on toes.
Enter Juan and his partner Ruth, who provide the right mix of fun, yet disciplined and well-paced teaching to get any skill level dancing in no time. In their classes, you will never feel like you are failing… Juan says to simply smile if you miss a step — and keep stepping!
As someone who has rhythm, but lacks intuitive coordination, this is the most satisfying dance experience I have ever had, and I am meeting some very nice and accomplished men and women too, who are patient and very supportive.
How it works:
Beginner classes start at the top of the month and gradually build on skills with lots of practice opportunities with rotating partners. You can come as a single person, and they make the environment feel safe so that anyone can choose to be a «follower» or «leader» dissolving any gender-specific expectations.
After just a few weeks, I feel my confidence and skills growing so much that I was compelled to provide a review that I hope will inspire others to join in this wonderful way to learn a new skill, and positively connect with others.
If ever you wanted to learn salsa — Salsa with Juan is your answer!

Tarah D.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

Salsa with Juan is great for beginners who want to learn to Salsa (or Bachata, whatever that is). It’s also great for couples OR singles who want to learn to dance, and you learn moves in lines all together and then practice them with a different partner each time (rotating partners). The first go around you feel a bit awkward about it, but you get used to it really fast, and it’s GREAT practice for learning how different people dance (especially if you’re the «follow» and have to learn to respond to the «lead»).
Tip: if you are going to do a string of lessons or just one lesson, START AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH, because the lessons are progressive, meaning each week it gets more complicated. So if you come in for just one lesson in the last week of the month, the class has already done 3 weeks worth of leading up to that move, etc.

Christopher W.

Place rating: 4
Oakland, CA

The first day I walked into Salsa with Juan (or Ted, or Dorothy, or whoever), I was a hot mess. I don’t mean ‘hot’ in that devastatingly sexy kinda way. I mean I was like an uncontrolled forest fire threatening to take out a small village full of children. Think about the children.
Three lessons in, I look like I have some control over my external bodily functions. All of this is thanks to Salsa with Juan. I realized quickly that there’s a difference between rhythm and coordination. I have some of the latter, but little of the former. Taking classes has helped me with both.
The instructors are really nice and easy-going. They are great at giving instruction and really cater well to beginners. The pace is not too challenging, but it also doesn’t linger to the point of boredom. The other instructees are pretty nice as well. There’s not the pretentiousness that I was afraid I might encounter, especially since we are expected to practice with different partners. Just like at the club, everybody is present for different reasons. And, people are super encouraging even when it’s obvious that you aren’t quite keeping up.
The only real downside to the experience is that there are often not enough leaders to followers (or vice a versa), so not being partnered for new moves can put you at a disadvantage. Also, you don’t get the one-on-one attention if you are really struggling or don’t understand. But, remember, these are classes, not private lessons, so when class is over there are no office hours. :(
All in all, I’m really glad to be taking Salsa with Juan. I’m not yet Rico Suave, but at least I’ve gotten past Robotic Richard.

Salsa With Juan

Oakland, United States

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20 reviews of Salsa With Juan